Fixtures

A fixture is a once-movable item that, by virtue of its attachment to realty, reflects the intention to permanently improve that realty. Common examples of fixtures include:

Heating systems

Custom-made storm windows

Furnaces and lighting installations

Unless otherwise agreed, a tenant must not remove a fixture, even if the tenant installed it. Fixtures pass with ownership of the land.

First, the landlord and tenant’s express agreement on the matter is binding. In the absence of such an agreement, a tenant may remove an item that they have installed as long as removing it does not cause substantial damage to the premises. If removing the fixture causes significant harm, then the tenant, in objective judgment, has demonstrated the intention to install a fixture. As a general matter, the fixture must stay put.